Why I Stand With Men Matter Too

By Tracie Murray

My Drive, As A Woman,

To Advocate For

Men's Mental Health and

Suicide Prevention

In the dimly lit corridors of mental health discourse, one glaring truth often remains in the shadows: the disproportionate burden borne by men in the realm of mental health and suicide.

It's a subject that demands attention, a silent epidemic demanding a voice.

As a woman, my advocacy for this cause may seem unconventional, yet it's driven by a profound realisation of the urgency and necessity of action. 

Statistics paint a stark picture: men are significantly more likely to die by suicide than women. 

In the United States alone, the suicide rate among men is approximately three-and-a-half times higher than that of women. 

This disparity isn't confined to a single region; it's a global phenomenon, cutting across socioeconomic, cultural, and demographic boundaries.

Yet, amidst these alarming statistics lies a deeper narrative of silence and stigma. 

Traditional gender norms dictate that men must embody strength, resilience, and stoicism—rendering them less likely to seek help for mental health struggles. 

The pressure to conform to these narrow ideals stifles emotional expression and perpetuates the misconception that vulnerability is synonymous with weakness. 

But vulnerability is not weakness; it's a testament to courage and authenticity.

By breaking the silence surrounding men's mental health, we pave the way for healing and resilience. 

As a woman, I refuse to adhere to the confines of outdated gender stereotypes. 

Instead, I choose to amplify the voices of men who have been silenced by stigma and shame. 

My advocacy is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a commitment to fostering meaningful change. 

It's about creating safe spaces where men feel empowered to share their experiences without fear of judgment or ridicule. 

It's about dismantling the barriers that prevent men from accessing mental health resources and support systems. 

By championing the cause of men's mental health and suicide prevention, we not only save lives, but also challenge the very foundations of “toxic masculinity”. 

We redefine strength as the willingness to confront one's vulnerabilities and seek help when needed. 

We cultivate a culture of compassion and acceptance, where every individual, regardless of gender, feels valued and supported. 

In the fight against the silent pandemic of men's mental health and suicide, every voice matters. 

As a woman, I stand in solidarity with my male counterparts, advocating for a future where mental health is prioritised, stigma is eradicated, and lives are saved.

We must break the silence and ignite a movement of change! 

About The Author 

Tracie is a Mental Health Writer and Advocate—including with a particular focus on male mental health and suicide prevention. For this reason, and more, Tracie is a Global Thought Leader and LinkedIn Influencer (with over 110k followers on the platform)—and has also been named as a Top Voice on LinkedIn for Entrepreneurship.

Tracie lives in the Greater Edinburgh Area of Scotland, United Kingdom—and can be contacted here.